Ok, governor adjustment attempted. This is what I found/learnt,
1) with the governor arm nut loosened and the shaft rotated, initially I was heartened to find the range of rotation was about 20 degrees. From this I can only assume that the extended range I experienced earlier must have been the arm slipping on the shaft (although it appeared to be tightly connected it may have been slipping because I had assumed that the arm was not attached to the round part of the shaft, but was connected to the shaft as it appears at the very end, that is shaped like an allen key, flattened off, and thus only allowing discreet positions. AVB had indicated by his instructions that wasn't the case, but I was not clever enough to interpret this fully)
2) I performed adjustment as per instructions provided by AVB
3) motor still raced
4) I checked the adjustment and found the motor still racing
5) I manually held the governor arm such that the motor didn't race and in so doing could hear and feel an occasional knock coming through the arm
6) I then loosened the adjustment nut to gently check the governor shaft range of motion, which was the 20 degrees or thereabouts but then reduced as the shaft seemed to jam in position. I applied a small amount of force to see if it would free up, but to no avail
So now I suppose this is evidence that the governor has failed, but would be interested if anyone could answer the following questions for my better understanding of the issue.
Q1) With the engine off and the throttle in idle position, my throttle linkage sits such that the throttle is no where near closed. Is this how it should be?
Q2) Does the governor mechanism act against the pull of the springs when the motor is idling to push up on the throttle linkage and bring it hard up against what I assume to be the idle adjustment?
Q4) I have a third spring that is connected to a small bracket attached to the engine by the bottom inlet manifold bolt on the left of the mower when looking from the front. I have attached it to the choke linkage arm such that it applies a small amount of force to return the choke to open, but not enough to actually pull it away from closed position. I can't see anywhere else for it to attach, try as I might. Can anyone confirm for me that this is the correct placement? I was hoping it would attach to the governor arm and pull it counter clockwise such that the engine idled, but just can't see any option for that to happen. The spring isn't long enough to reach the arm without it being really stretched tight, and there is nowhere for it to attach.
Q3) If I manage to get the engine out of the mower frame and remove the pulleys from the bottom of the crankshaft, is it possible to remove what I will call the sump and attempt a replacement of the governor internal mechanism, or is it a nightmare job requiring specialist tools? (I have torque wrench and tools to attempt most mechanical jobs perhaps other than full rebuilds
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer advice or opinion on any of these issues.
PS I've tried to attach photos but see no evidence of them appearing on my preview. Hopefully they will appear in the actual post, and not in a position that renders them useless.
